8 hours
Aldo Leopold Nature Center
Starting at USD 339
Sat, 13 Dec, 2025 at 09:00 am to 05:00 pm (GMT-06:00)
Aldo Leopold Nature Center
330 Femrite Drive, Monona, United States
We invite you on a journey of nervous system regulation and self-discovery during our Winter Renewal retreat this December. Backed by science, facilitated by experienced health care practitioners, and rooted in the themes of authenticity, creativity, restoration and , this immersive experience is designed to help you realign your mind, body, and spirit.
Through the practices of Pilates and myofascial release, contrast therapy, creative arts, experiential journaling, breathwork, meditation and sound healing, you’ll cultivate a profound sense of safety, inner calm, and embodied vitality. Just in time for the Holiday season, these tools will support you in releasing stress and tension, deepening self-awareness, and stepping into life with renewed clarity and confidence.
Set against the serene backdrop of early winter, at Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Winter Renewal is more than a retreat—it’s a full-day journey of nervous system exploration, empowerment, reflection, and connection, designed to help you uncover and embrace your truest self, restore your energy, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.
Please read this page in its entirety, including the FAQ section below to learn more about your hosts, the space, and the event offerings. We've listed a basic itinerary that is subject to change; there will be several breaks that aren't listed, and some offerings may take longer or shorter than planned. We promise to adjust the day's schedule to share with you our most valuable and impactful content and experiences. Please reach out to the host with any additional questions!
We can't wait to see you in December!!
Emma Rose, PA-C, CSCS, LOB Certified Breathworker
Emma Rose is a Physician Assistant-Certified, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Certified Language of Breath Breathworker with twenty-five years of experience in the fitness, medical, and wellness fields. Emma is a Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist for Dane County's Comprehensive Community Services program, teaches movement and breathwork classes at local community venues, and is the founder of the Integrative Health Collective, a group of Primary and Allied Health Care Practitioners with the shared vision of making whole-person care the standard. She uses body-based interventions daily in her work to support clients in their mental and physical health recoveries. Alongside her professional experience, Emma has found these modalities to be personally life-changing, and is passionate about sharing the many health benefits of these practices with others.
Joanna Hutchins PA-C, IFMCP
Joanna is a certified Journal to the Self® instructor, Physician Assistant, Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, wife, and mother. She also holds certifications in Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), Youth Mental Health First Aid, and training in Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) for chronic pain. Joanna finds purpose and joy in helping people understand and experience the power of the mind-body connection, with particular interest in Polyvagal Theory and strengthening the vagus nerve to thrive amidst living in a busy, chaotic world. Journaling is a helpful self-discovery tool, and Joanna believes that the more you can understand and be kind to yourself, the more you can extend understanding and kindness to others.
Katie Tomaszewski
Katie is a passionate health and wellness educator with over 15 years of experience, blending expertise in Pilates, breathwork, and nervous system regulation to help people feel better in their bodies and lives. As the founder of Deep Line Health and faculty member at The Language of Breath Breathworker School, she offers personalized, transformative programs that support lasting strength, resilience, and vitality. Through her virtual studio, global coaching initiatives like DryNamics, and community-building efforts such as Chicago Cold Club, Katie empowers others to embrace growth and wellness from the inside out.
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Chiche Scaglia Davis is an esteemed artist and multidisciplinary healer whose work bridges creativity, embodiment, and energy. Her award-winning sculptures have been exhibited internationally, and she has shared her passion for the arts through teaching at both studio and college levels.
Before devoting herself fully to the arts, Chiche built a career as a physical therapist—laying the foundation for her lifelong commitment to physical, emotional, and energetic healing. Over the past 50+ years, she has expanded her practice to include hypnotherapy, Shamanic work, energy medicine, Reiki mastery, ministry, and sound healing.
Today, Chiche offers community-based sound meditation and energy healing sessions, and continues to integrate her artistic vision with her deep knowledge of the healing arts. She is an expert at creating spaces where transformation, expression, and restoration come together.
Info: Turn your focus inward with a beginning meditation and gentle breath work. You'll learn proper breathing mechanics and build awareness of your physical body before moving into a more intentional practice.
Info: In this myofascial release class, Katie will guide you through gentle, targeted techniques using Jill Miller’s Coregeous™ Ball to awaken the brain-to-body connection. Through the Roll Method™, you'll release tension in deep layers of fascia, improving circulation, breath capacity, and range of motion. This restorative experience is ideal for anyone seeking to move with more ease, awareness, and freedom. The ball is yours to keep after the event.
Info: An invigorating full-body calisthenic routine rooted in the classical choreography of Joseph Pilates—intelligent, intentional movement designed to awaken strength, control, and vitality. This dynamic session challenges the whole body while remaining accessible and safe for all levels, offering modifications and progressions to meet you where you are. Expect to finish feeling strong, aligned, and deeply connected to your physical power.
Info: A powerful outdoor practice that alternates between a hot sauna and ice bathing to support nervous system regulation, boost circulation, and build resilience. Drawing from her extensive background in breathwork, movement, and holistic wellness, Katie creates a safe and empowering space to explore the edges of comfort and transformation. This experience is designed to help you deepen your mind-body connection, elevate stress tolerance, and leave you feeling more energized, grounded, and alive. Absolute contraindications include epilepsy, uncontrolled hypertension, pregnancy/nursing. We recommend discussing your specific health concerns with your health care provider.
Info: Enjoy a farm-to-table boxed lunch from Forage Kitchen while chatting with friends old and new. Please bring your own water. Hot tea will be provided. During this time you're also welcome to continue contrast therapy, or freely explore the center's nature trails.
Info: Using ideas from Dr. Stephen Porges and Polyvagal Theory and specific journaling techniques this workshop guides you on an exploration to discover how your nervous system works to help you navigate the highs and lows of life. Looking at your life through the lens of your nervous system helps you to understand the biology behind our everyday experiences, emotions, and thoughts. As research in this field grows we are more clearly recognizing the connection between physical sensation and nervous system activity, and how these signals inform our minds, thoughts, emotions, and shape the stories we tell ourselves. This workshop is for anyone interested in learning more about Polyvagal Theory and using forms of written creative expression to develop more personal awareness, discovery, and growth.
Info: Explore creativity through the tactile practice of drawing with conte crayons—a medium valued by artists for centuries. Guided by an experienced art educator, this session focuses on presence, play, and self-expression, not artistic skill. Mark-making with your hands engages both body and imagination, supporting a ventral vagal state—the nervous system pathway associated with safety, social connection, and curiosity. This practice helps quiet the inner critic, awaken creativity, and bring a deeper sense of regulation and ease to body and mind.
Info: A guided, dynamic breathing practice that energizes the body, increases oxygenation, and supports nervous system regulation. Superventilation helps release tension, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall resilience, leaving you feeling invigorated and grounded. *Not suitable for those with epilepsy, or who are pregnant or nursing. Always listen to your body, and don't push past your limits.
Info: Experience a full-spectrum healing journey with quartz crystal bowls, where each chakra is supported by its corresponding color. As the bowls’ resonant tones guide your nervous system toward balance and restoration, vibrant colors of light are integrated for each chakra, creating a rainbow of energetic support around you. Simply lie back, listen, and visualize the colors—allowing sound and light to work together to release tension, restore clarity, and enhance energetic alignment.
Info: Finish the day warming by the fire, fully embracing the power of community connection and whole-self healing ❤️
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Mc Farland, Arts events in Mc Farland, Workshops in Mc Farland.
Tickets for ❄️ Winter Renewal: From Fire & Ice to Renewal & Rest can be booked here.
| Ticket type | Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Early Bird Registration | 339 USD |
| General Admission | 395 USD |
